John Devine has been writing about high school sports in Monterey County since, well, practically since he was an athlete at King City in the days just after leather helmets. In PrepNation, John has even more in-depth analysis of the latest results and news he's brought to you in The Herald and in his weekly videos.

8/27/2013

Football Tour X Gonzales

Gonzales
Quarterback Sergio Baez has walked through the campus halls at Gonzales, encouraging students to come out for football and change the culture of the program.
While it has fell on deaf ears, he like so many of his teammates, are tired of making excuses. Sure winning helps and Gonzales has not done a lot of that of late.
Since making the playoffs in 2003 with eight wins, Gonzales has won a total of 12 games over the last nine years, stumbling to a 1-9 mark last year.
Numbers have crippled the Spartans, who played part of last year with less than 20 players. While the numbers are up this year, the roster will still be around 25 players.
The difference this year is there is some talent among those 25, starting with the multi-talented Baez, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards while leading the team in rushing with 701 yards.
Keep an eye on Palma transfer Chrystain Harrigan, who gives Gonzales an upgrade in the backfield with his speed. Gonzales is going to move the ball.
A big concern for the Spartans remains their defense. Last fall they gave up 40 or more points eight times, including 71 in a loss.
That has to improve, as does the turnover ratio, which was minus 26. Turnovers killed numerous scoring drives.
There is still pride in the program. Helmets are bare. You have to earn your 'G' before it's put on the glossy black helmet.Watch an interview with coach Kevin Bonincontri.